The Bioconductor Student-ECR Council has been officially formed, originating from a Birds of a Feather session at EuroBioC2026. The council aims to support students and early-career researchers (ECRs) in the Bioconductor community through mentorship, networking, and professional development. Six founding members from institutions across Europe and Africa introduce themselves and outline the council's vision, which includes an inclusive environment, open science practices, and community-driven software development. Planned initiatives include a mentorship programme (launching October/November), targeted seminars, workshops, and hackathons focused on beginner-friendly contributions. The council welcomes new members and meets monthly, with a live gathering planned at BioC2026 in Seattle on August 11.
